DTC P050E: Cold Start Engine Exhaust Temperature Out Of Range

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 33 other vehicles, including the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer, 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Mercury Mariner, 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis, and 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DTC P050E: COLD START ENGINE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE OUT OF RANGE

For Vehicles With An Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve
Description:	The powertrain control module (PCM) attempts to control engine speed during the key on, engine running (KOER) self-test. The test fails when the desired RPM could not be reached or controlled during the self-test.
Possible Causes:	IAC circuit open VPWR to IAC solenoid open B+ or VPWR to IAC solenoid open Air inlet is plugged IAC circuit short to voltage Damaged IAC valve
Diagnostic Aids:
For All Others
Description:	The powertrain control module (PCM) calculates the actual catalyst warm up temperature during a cold start. The PCM then compares the actual catalyst temperature to the expected catalyst temperature model. The difference between the actual and expected temperatures is a ratio. When this ratio exceeds the calibrated value this DTC sets and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates.
Possible Causes:	Intake air restriction Exhaust restriction Engine mechanical concern Damaged or sludged electronic throttle body (ETB) Vacuum leaks Damaged PCM
Diagnostic Aids:	Disregard the freeze frame data. Freeze frame data does not apply to the cold start monitor. This DTC is informational only and may be accompanied by other DTCs. Diagnose other DTCs first. If no other DTCs are present, inspect the intake air system for air restrictions, vacuum leaks, and damage. If no concerns are present, clear the DTCs and verify the engine coolant temperature (ECT) is below 37.8° C (100°F). Allow the vehicle to soak for 2-3 hours if necessary for the ECT to fall below 37.8° C (100°F). Start the engine without touching the accelerator pedal and allow the engine to idle for 6 minutes in park. If no DTCs are present and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is not illuminated after idling for 6 minutes, carry out the key on engine running KOER self-test to confirm that no DTCs are present and the repair is complete.
Application	Key On Engine Off	Key On Engine Running	Continuous Memory
Ranger	Refer to the Description, Possible Causes and Diagnostic Aids for the appropriate DTC.
All others	Refer to the Description, Possible Causes and Diagnostic Aids for the appropriate DTC.